China places coast guard under Central Military Commission

China has transferred the control of its coast guard from the State Oceanic Administration to its Central Military Commission, beginning 1 July.

State-run news agency Xihuaa reported that the marine police force under the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force will serve as a law enforcement agency and safeguard the maritime rights of the country.

The coast guard will be responsible for combating criminal maritime activities; undertaking search and rescue, law enforcement, environmental protection and fishery management.

A few weeks ago, this decision was approved by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, which is the country top legislature.

As per the new requirement, the coast guard will undertake military drills with the People’s Liberation Army.

Further, the coast guard ships would be equipped with robust cannons and its personnel would carry firearms.

Military expert Song Shongping told Global Times that the country’s coast guard would safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights.

In May, the Chinese coast guard conducted joint drills along with the navy in the South China Sea.

The move to place the coast guard under Central Military Commission is seen as a threat by other countries.

Nikkei Asian Review reported that since China stated that the coast guard’s role will not change, Japan will respond to any incursions with its own coast guard.

This report added that Chinese coast guard have allegedly ventured into the waters around Japan’s Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which is administered by Japan but claimed by China.

Recently, Chinese coast guard allegedly faced flak after reports emerged of seizing Filipino fishermen’s catch from their boats in the South China Sea in exchange for noodles and cigarettes, reported Philstar.com.

The Chinese government had then stated that it would probe into the matter and punish its erring personnel if found guilty.

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